Tol-in-Gaurhoth IV (The Saga, erm, Still Continues...)

[Anguirel]

I have heard the charges of the pursuants, the legatees, the apologists and the prosecution as lain down in the minutes kept in the Village Hall.

I shall begin with a question: if a man is killed by another man, and not by a ravening beast, is his killer not still a murderer, and should he not still be punished? Should we allow the wolves of Tol-in-Gaurhoth to corrode our justice system, our ancient laws, bonds, and rights, our morality, in its entirety? Or should we fight for them?

I maintain that we should; and that the phantom's scheme of "voluntary lynching" was nothing less than an intimation to murder or suicide, which goes against all the tenets of man and of Eru. Whether or not moonlight reveals hair on the phantom's palms, then, he deserves punishment! But for myself, I am inclined to believe that fur does coruscate about him when the lunatic light shines. Our honest and eloquent sailor Eomer has acquitted himself well in words as he has no doubt previously done at the cutlass's edge. Besides, the healer's high estimate of his own worth thoroughly deserves a little humbling. No true officer of the law or visionary of light would show such swollen bombast.

As for the wet-nurse Lalaith, I am fairly convinced of her innocence; she was caught in mischance, terrible fate, that cast our poor Ranger from Arda. More may be found hereafter; and truly, tales have been told of she-wolves suckling bairns; but for the moment; I clear her. Next!

Nilpaurion Felagund. If a Werewolf, he is a debonair one. However, so far only his own, somewhat colourful confession points at him...and I would argue it points for him.

And the furrier, Saurreg...this is an unfortunate man or a sly creature. If he is guilty, the phantom is further implicated; but to use him as a touchstone would be grossly unfair, seeing as he is snared in his defence of his fellow villager. I believe the healer is likely to be backed up elsewhere, whereas if the furrier is a foe, the healer is almost assuredly alongside him. the phantom is thus the shrewder target.

I shall, therefore, vote that ++the phantom (hereinafter called "the condemned") be hanged by the neck until he is dead. The law has spoken.